Welcome to the Q3 2013 edition of Maximizing What’s in Your Wallet! Apologies for the tardiness.

As a reminder, this post is for all the credit card deadbeats out there looking to maximize cash back rewards. So, if you never carry a balance on your credit cards, have them set to auto-pay in full every month, and want to make the most of Q3 2013, then read on.

Groceries and Gift Cards – I have been very pleased with my Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express which pays me 6% back on all grocery purchases. It also pays 3% on gas and 1% on everything else, but I only use it at the grocery store. The downside to the card is the card carries a $75 annual fee and the grocery spending is capped at $6k per year, but it’s still a great card. Sallie Mae’s Mastercard is offering 5% back.

Cell Phone – I’m using my US Bank Cash+ for 5% back. It works out to like $7/mth that I get back.

Drugstores– N/A

Amazon – I use my Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express to buy Amazon gift cards at a grocery store for the 6% cash back. I also have the Amazon VISA for when I’m too lazy for that extra layer of work. When you buy through Amazon with the Amazon VISA you get 3% back and the first time you sign up, they give you $30-40 off your purchase depending on the offer at that time.